I am excited to begin posting in a new space. I have a new WordPress site and I like it!!! My husband the genius, Dave, set it up for me and now I am learning how to use it. Please check it out when you have the inclination: LAURAKNOERR.COM
Friday, April 20, 2012
New Blog/Website
I am excited to begin posting in a new space. I have a new WordPress site and I like it!!! My husband the genius, Dave, set it up for me and now I am learning how to use it. Please check it out when you have the inclination: LAURAKNOERR.COM
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Abortion
The issue of abortion is now front and center. Following are some data and four different perspectives on the matter.
Abortion data from U.S. Census Bureau:
Number of Abortion in the U.S. in 2008 (the last year for which data is complete): 1,212,350
Number of Life Births in the U.S. in 2008: 4,247,694
This data would suggest that for every 4 babies born, a fifth baby was aborted. In other words, conservatively speaking and without taking into consideration miscarriages or birth control medications/devices, at least 20% of babies conceived in this country are aborted.
INSIGHT FROM THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
"If you could look at this from an advanced society somewhere in the future, abortion will be judged as just as barbaric in it's historical context as Mayan sacrifice of young girls, as killing infants for their female gender, as parents being within legal bounds to kill their children -- all of these things the norm in their time, in their context. Rationalized thought -- that a broad societal consensus that it is ok, and that given the time, will make it acceptable. We may truly believe, both sides of the issue, that we are making the most sensible, albeit difficult decision for the lives of those who are affected. I believe, to the bottom of my heart, we're getting this one wrong. God is at the heart of it for me. But even if you don't believe in God - history will judge this as low and base and barbaric. Particularly; particularly in a highly advanced society." Perspective of a registered nurse who is a friend of mine.
INSIGHT FROM TWO RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES
“The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of all human life and considers each person to be of infinite value and each life a gift from God to be cherished, nurtured and redeemed. Human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God and has an eternal destiny. (Genesis 1:27) Sacredness is not conferred, nor can it be taken away by human agreement.”
The Salvation Army deplores society's ready acceptance of abortion, which reflects insufficient concern for vulnerable persons, including the unborn. (Psalms 82:3-4)
The Salvation Army holds to the Christian ideals of chastity before marriage and fidelity within the marriage relationship and, consistent with these ideals, supports measures to prevent crisis pregnancies. It is opposed to abortion as a means of birth control, family planning, sex selection or for any reason of mere convenience to avoid the responsibility for conception. Therefore, when an unwanted pregnancy occurs, The Salvation Army advises that the situation be accepted and that the pregnancy be carried to term, and offers supportive help and assistance with planning.
The Salvation Army recognizes tragic and perplexing circumstances that require difficult decisions regarding a pregnancy. Such decisions should be made only after prayerful and thoughtful consideration, with appropriate involvement of the woman's family and pastoral, medical and other counsel. A woman in these circumstances needs acceptance, love and compassion.
When an abortion has taken place, The Salvation Army will continue to show love and compassion and to offer its services and fellowship to those involved.”
From the Salvation Army Website
“A core text in rabbinic law crystallizes the status of the fetus. The Mishna explicitly indicates that one must abort a fetus if the continuation of pregnancy might imperil the life of the woman: “If a woman is in hard travail, one cuts up the offspring in her womb and brings it forth member by member, because her life comes before the life of her foetus. But if the greater part has proceeded forth, one may not set aside one person for the sake of saving another.
As a general rule, abortion in Judaism is permitted only if there is a direct threat to the life of the mother by carrying the fetus to term or through the act of childbirth. In such a circumstance, the baby is considered tantamount to a rodef, a pursuer after the mother with the intent to kill her. Nevertheless, as explained in the Mishna, if it would be possible to save the mother by maiming the fetus, such as by amputating a limb, abortion would be forbidden. Despite the classification of the fetus as a pursuer, once the baby's head or most of its body has been delivered, the baby's life is considered equal to the mother's, and we may not choose one life over another.” Daniel Eisenberg, M.D.
MY THOUGHTS
To me, a 20% abortion rate would suggest that abortions are definitely NOT being limited to situations where the mother's life is in danger. This would also suggest that the abortion procedure is being abused and misused. This would then in turn suggest that many women are seeking because of fear, misinformation and/or intimidation.
PEOPLE!!! What can we do to change this???? Lives are hanging in the balance!!!
And, by the way, if you want to know how Facebook feels about the abortion issue, this is a link to an article about Facebook apologizing to a reproductive rights doctor for removing her post on how to "Do It Yourself" Abortion.
Abortion data from U.S. Census Bureau:
Number of Abortion in the U.S. in 2008 (the last year for which data is complete): 1,212,350
Number of Life Births in the U.S. in 2008: 4,247,694
This data would suggest that for every 4 babies born, a fifth baby was aborted. In other words, conservatively speaking and without taking into consideration miscarriages or birth control medications/devices, at least 20% of babies conceived in this country are aborted.
INSIGHT FROM THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
"If you could look at this from an advanced society somewhere in the future, abortion will be judged as just as barbaric in it's historical context as Mayan sacrifice of young girls, as killing infants for their female gender, as parents being within legal bounds to kill their children -- all of these things the norm in their time, in their context. Rationalized thought -- that a broad societal consensus that it is ok, and that given the time, will make it acceptable. We may truly believe, both sides of the issue, that we are making the most sensible, albeit difficult decision for the lives of those who are affected. I believe, to the bottom of my heart, we're getting this one wrong. God is at the heart of it for me. But even if you don't believe in God - history will judge this as low and base and barbaric. Particularly; particularly in a highly advanced society." Perspective of a registered nurse who is a friend of mine.
INSIGHT FROM TWO RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES
“The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of all human life and considers each person to be of infinite value and each life a gift from God to be cherished, nurtured and redeemed. Human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God and has an eternal destiny. (Genesis 1:27) Sacredness is not conferred, nor can it be taken away by human agreement.”
The Salvation Army deplores society's ready acceptance of abortion, which reflects insufficient concern for vulnerable persons, including the unborn. (Psalms 82:3-4)
The Salvation Army holds to the Christian ideals of chastity before marriage and fidelity within the marriage relationship and, consistent with these ideals, supports measures to prevent crisis pregnancies. It is opposed to abortion as a means of birth control, family planning, sex selection or for any reason of mere convenience to avoid the responsibility for conception. Therefore, when an unwanted pregnancy occurs, The Salvation Army advises that the situation be accepted and that the pregnancy be carried to term, and offers supportive help and assistance with planning.
The Salvation Army recognizes tragic and perplexing circumstances that require difficult decisions regarding a pregnancy. Such decisions should be made only after prayerful and thoughtful consideration, with appropriate involvement of the woman's family and pastoral, medical and other counsel. A woman in these circumstances needs acceptance, love and compassion.
When an abortion has taken place, The Salvation Army will continue to show love and compassion and to offer its services and fellowship to those involved.”
From the Salvation Army Website
“A core text in rabbinic law crystallizes the status of the fetus. The Mishna explicitly indicates that one must abort a fetus if the continuation of pregnancy might imperil the life of the woman: “If a woman is in hard travail, one cuts up the offspring in her womb and brings it forth member by member, because her life comes before the life of her foetus. But if the greater part has proceeded forth, one may not set aside one person for the sake of saving another.
As a general rule, abortion in Judaism is permitted only if there is a direct threat to the life of the mother by carrying the fetus to term or through the act of childbirth. In such a circumstance, the baby is considered tantamount to a rodef, a pursuer after the mother with the intent to kill her. Nevertheless, as explained in the Mishna, if it would be possible to save the mother by maiming the fetus, such as by amputating a limb, abortion would be forbidden. Despite the classification of the fetus as a pursuer, once the baby's head or most of its body has been delivered, the baby's life is considered equal to the mother's, and we may not choose one life over another.” Daniel Eisenberg, M.D.
MY THOUGHTS
To me, a 20% abortion rate would suggest that abortions are definitely NOT being limited to situations where the mother's life is in danger. This would also suggest that the abortion procedure is being abused and misused. This would then in turn suggest that many women are seeking because of fear, misinformation and/or intimidation.
PEOPLE!!! What can we do to change this???? Lives are hanging in the balance!!!
And, by the way, if you want to know how Facebook feels about the abortion issue, this is a link to an article about Facebook apologizing to a reproductive rights doctor for removing her post on how to "Do It Yourself" Abortion.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Congressional Reform
I don't know if this is really from Warren Buffet, but this email I received has some good points. Congress and other public servants should not become a wealthy class unto themselves as a result of taking it from the people they represent in the form of taxes. That sounds like a little too much like the monarchs our ancestors left behind in Europe.
"Winds of Change....
Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.
In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.
_*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*_
1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman/woman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they're out of office.
2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the
American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.
3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.
7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen/women are void effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen/women.
Congressmen/women made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their
term(s), then go home and back to work.
THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!"
"Winds of Change....
Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.
In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.
_*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*_
1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman/woman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they're out of office.
2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the
American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.
3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.
7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen/women are void effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen/women.
Congressmen/women made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their
term(s), then go home and back to work.
THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!"
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Blessings
Standing with Israel means blessings for those who support her. As Psalm 128:5 says, "The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!"
At this moment, as in times past, Israel is threatened on all sides and by most of the world. And, no one is neutral on the subject. You are either for the state of Israel or against it. Therefore, if you dare stand with Israel, I challenge you to go to the website below and make a public declaration of the fact.
Those who support Israel are blessed to be a blessing.
http://unitedwithisrael.org/declaration/
Other Biblical references:
Psalm 20:2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
Psalm 134:3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
Psalm 135:21 Praise be to the LORD from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.
At this moment, as in times past, Israel is threatened on all sides and by most of the world. And, no one is neutral on the subject. You are either for the state of Israel or against it. Therefore, if you dare stand with Israel, I challenge you to go to the website below and make a public declaration of the fact.
Those who support Israel are blessed to be a blessing.
http://unitedwithisrael.org/declaration/
Other Biblical references:
Psalm 20:2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
Psalm 134:3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
Psalm 135:21 Praise be to the LORD from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.
Friday, May 27, 2011
My God is not....
Sometimes, descriptions of the nature of God lose their meaning. For instance, God is love. God is kind. After a conversation with a discouraged person who is upset with God, I began to think. Maybe it would help to specify what God is not. Especially in light of the horrible weather tragedies. So, here goes...
God is not arbitrary.
God is not cruel.
God is not unjust.
God is not callous.
How can we understand, then, the bad that happens to us and others? By changing the way we think.
Being on the receiving end of discipline as a child was not fun. I did not think that it was an expression of my parents' love. I thought a spanking hurt - especially my pride. I usually disliked being corrected when I said or did something mean to my siblings. But, the result was that discipline shaped my character for the better. I have benefited by it.
I'm not saying that tragedy equals discipline. But, as in discipline, it is not fun or enjoyable. Despite that, in tragedy and hardship, let's search for goodness, pour out love, banish bitterness and learn something. God created good. Life is good. Every breath is a blessing.
God is not arbitrary.
God is not cruel.
God is not unjust.
God is not callous.
How can we understand, then, the bad that happens to us and others? By changing the way we think.
Being on the receiving end of discipline as a child was not fun. I did not think that it was an expression of my parents' love. I thought a spanking hurt - especially my pride. I usually disliked being corrected when I said or did something mean to my siblings. But, the result was that discipline shaped my character for the better. I have benefited by it.
I'm not saying that tragedy equals discipline. But, as in discipline, it is not fun or enjoyable. Despite that, in tragedy and hardship, let's search for goodness, pour out love, banish bitterness and learn something. God created good. Life is good. Every breath is a blessing.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Goodbye to Endeavor
The last flight of the space shuttle Endeavor is scheduled for tomorrow. After it, Atlantis will make a final voyage in July. These will end an exciting 30-year chapter in our nation's history. A history that included tragedy and amazing discoveries.
NASA has not developed a replacement or improved spacecraft. The last flight of Endeavor really does mean an end to our country's heart for space endeavors. So much has been gained and so much remains yet to done.
I mourn the loss of this dream and my heart aches to see the passion of our country for space exploration fade out and fizzle only to be replaced by an obsession with fantasy sci fi. We don't seem to have the passion to be a world leader any more. And, I believe this stems from a spiritual failure.
We lack the faith to dream, to fail and to try again. Our vision has been obscured by greedy corporations, terrorist threats and, worst of all, complacency. We want our MTV, our refrigerators, our HD TVs, and our cell phones. And, if we have those, we can retreat from the world and the responsibilities that come with privilege and freedom. So, goodbye Endeavor - in every sense of the world.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/05/15/chiao.spaceshuttle.farewell/index.html?hpt=C1
NASA has not developed a replacement or improved spacecraft. The last flight of Endeavor really does mean an end to our country's heart for space endeavors. So much has been gained and so much remains yet to done.
I mourn the loss of this dream and my heart aches to see the passion of our country for space exploration fade out and fizzle only to be replaced by an obsession with fantasy sci fi. We don't seem to have the passion to be a world leader any more. And, I believe this stems from a spiritual failure.
We lack the faith to dream, to fail and to try again. Our vision has been obscured by greedy corporations, terrorist threats and, worst of all, complacency. We want our MTV, our refrigerators, our HD TVs, and our cell phones. And, if we have those, we can retreat from the world and the responsibilities that come with privilege and freedom. So, goodbye Endeavor - in every sense of the world.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/05/15/chiao.spaceshuttle.farewell/index.html?hpt=C1
Thursday, March 24, 2011
NASA and Our National Vision
I visited the Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida for the first time recently. I had already been mourning the rumored gutting of our country's space program. In 2003, I was fortunate enough to watch the launch of the Mars probe in person. The launch amazed and enthralled thousands of other spectators as well. All my life, I have been so interested in all of the launches, in the Hubble telescope's amazing pictures and in the courage, persistence and endurance of the men and women working in all aspects of the program.
After touring the Space Center, I was struck anew by the waste of abandoning the Space Shuttle program and scaling back our country's dreams and visions. In this time of hardship, it is even more important to grasp onto a vision. It is more important than ever to push forward with innovations and new technologies and new explorations. Working for NASA has been the dream and goal of the brightest and best. It has been a beacon to students encouraging the study of Math and the Sciences. Our national heroes are Astronauts and the people who get them up into Space. What do we have without it? A generation of students addicted to computer games and who never leave their bedrooms?
I ask every voter to consider the value of the program for future generations. "Without a vision, the people perish."
After touring the Space Center, I was struck anew by the waste of abandoning the Space Shuttle program and scaling back our country's dreams and visions. In this time of hardship, it is even more important to grasp onto a vision. It is more important than ever to push forward with innovations and new technologies and new explorations. Working for NASA has been the dream and goal of the brightest and best. It has been a beacon to students encouraging the study of Math and the Sciences. Our national heroes are Astronauts and the people who get them up into Space. What do we have without it? A generation of students addicted to computer games and who never leave their bedrooms?
I ask every voter to consider the value of the program for future generations. "Without a vision, the people perish."
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Topaz
Did you know that Topaz in its purest form is colorless? The various shades of the jewel Topaz come from impurities! Information like this comes from my husband, who listens to scientific discussions for fun. Aren't husbands great?!?!?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Oh How I Love Saturdays
For me, Saturday mornings hold the delicious promise of time. Like choosing from a menu in your favorite restaurant, Saturday mornings offer a wonderful assortment of choices like: to listen to Handel's Messiah while cleaning up the kitchen; or to sit, listen and meditate on lyrics from a favorite song; or to gaze out at the sparkle of clean snow; or to call a long-neglected sister. And all the while your story plot sits in the background soaking in it like meat in a marinade. There is no hurry. There is no deadline.
How delightful!
How delightful!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
I Am NOT a Mormon
I've noticed Mormon advertisements popping up on my blog. I don't endorse Mormonism, nor do I equate it with Christianity. Mormons do not confess the Apostle's Creed or the Nicene Creed. They do not believe in the Trinity. Their main scripture is called "The Book of Mormon." This book was written by Joseph Smith, the religion's founder, in the United States in the mid 1800's. Mormons also call their church "The Latter Day Saints." Many Christian leaders have categorized Mormonism as a cult. From my point of view, other than the violence of Islam, those two religions treat women in much the same way.
I AM NOT A MORMON nor would I ever encourage anyone to adopt the Mormon faith.
I AM NOT A MORMON nor would I ever encourage anyone to adopt the Mormon faith.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Enjoying Motherhood - a new blog by my friend Estela Rosas
Please check out my friend Estela's new blog. It is fresh and insightful.
Enjoying Motherhood.
Enjoying Motherhood.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Revisiting the Past and Bringing It Forward
Facebook or LinkedIn or MySpace inspired me to start looking up some friends from high school. I had been quite envious of my husband's ongoing relationships with friends he had known since grade school. They all had music in common... and politics... and religion... I had one particular friend, Kay, who had taken piano lessons from the same teacher, sung in the same church choirs, acted in the same plays and stood in the back of the band with me along with the tubas and percussion. She played the timpani and I played stand-up bass. The last time I really remembering seeing her was at her wedding!
I started searching. The old way would have been to ask my parents to give me her mom's address, and then send a letter requesting my friend's phone number or address. This is still a reliable network, but it seemed that I could never remember to ask my parents at the right time. And then, they would have to remember to give me the information... Too many "ifs" in that equation.
I set about an Internet search using Google and found her name on a website of a place where she did some work. I knew it had to be her - it was the right profession and the right town. I finally got up the gumption to call the place and left a message. Low and behold! She called back!
We had a great conversation on the phone, and now, after 30 years, we are getting together.
What a gracious God we serve, who restores relationships and brings good things to our lives!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Abuse of Contempt of Court Imprisonment - It's Happening in Your Own Backyard!
Following is a link to an article that succinctly points out the grave potential for abuse by family court judges in contempt of court incarcerations. Interestingly, the United States has the highest imprisonment rate and the largest number of people incarcerated on the planet - this includes China and the USSR. Some experts state that one of out of eleven males will be incarcerated at one point in their life and that rate increases to one of out four for black males.
For those interested in preserving the ideals of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, this article should be compelling: http://www.independent.org/newsroom/article.asp?id=2229
For those interested in preserving the ideals of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, this article should be compelling: http://www.independent.org/newsroom/article.asp?id=2229
Sunday, August 22, 2010
To Love or To Hate....
9-10People conceived and brought into life by God don't make a practice of sin. How could they? God's seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It's not in the nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin. Here's how you tell the difference between God's children and the Devil's children: The one who won't practice righteous ways isn't from God, nor is the one who won't love brother or sister. A simple test.
11For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other.
12-13We must not be like Cain, who joined the Evil One and then killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because he was deep in the practice of evil, while the acts of his brother were righteous. So don't be surprised, friends, when the world hates you. This has been going on a long time.
14-15The way we know we've been transferred from death to life is that we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who doesn't love is as good as dead. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know very well that eternal life and murder don't go together.
16-17This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear. (1 John 3 - MESSAGE)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thought for the Day
A Psalm of David; when he was in the Wilderness of Judah. O GOD, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is. (2) So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary to see Your power and Your glory. (3) Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. (4) So will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. (5) My whole being shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips (6) When I remember You upon my bed and meditate on You in the night watches. (7) For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice. (8) My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me. (9) But those who seek and demand my life to ruin and destroy it shall [themselves be destroyed and] go into the lower parts of the earth [into the underworld of the dead]. (10) They shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a prey for foxes and jackals. (11) But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him [that is, who binds himself by God's authority, acknowledging His supremacy, and devoting himself to His glory and service alone; every such one] shall glory, for the mouths of those who speak lies shall be stopped. (Ps. 63:1-11 AMP)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Facebook Summer Vacation
Last night, I felt as if I was at a big lovely party. It was a Saturday night, and I was sitting at the kitchen table while Dave was practicing music for Sunday. I opened up Facebook and my brother popped up! First time ever that we had chatted on Facebook.
Friends and family of all ages started showing up with funny or serious or informative comments or links. Multiple conversations went on. It was hugely entertaining!
Then, an old friend from my hometown turned up with some very funny bits and hometown talk. Even more fun ensued when the links were music and my husband began playing along with his guitar!
When it started to get late, I hated to "go home". I had been having a delightful time!
So Facebook is where all the fun people go to hang out on a Saturday night. I'll have to do this more often.
Friends and family of all ages started showing up with funny or serious or informative comments or links. Multiple conversations went on. It was hugely entertaining!
Then, an old friend from my hometown turned up with some very funny bits and hometown talk. Even more fun ensued when the links were music and my husband began playing along with his guitar!
When it started to get late, I hated to "go home". I had been having a delightful time!
So Facebook is where all the fun people go to hang out on a Saturday night. I'll have to do this more often.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
With God Nothing Is Impossible!
This has been a very creative brain stimulating week - starting with an amazing worship service last Sunday evening, a reading group meeting on Monday night, and then my writing group on Tuesday night. My husband and I listened to a really interesting man named William Lane Craig speak via podcast last night and tonight I just needed to rest - a little.
Now, I need to share back in blog world. It's not that I don't have something to say. I just don't have enough time to write it. However, I have to make time, because someone needs to be encouraged and someone needs to turn from the path they are on, and someone needs to laugh or make a different choice - and I have to do my part by writing my life and sharing it, so that maybe I can help somebody avoid my mistakes or recover from mistakes that I can uniquely understand or empathize with.
I need to ration my time a little more carefully. And, I need to be in the moment as much as possible when I am with people I love - especially my husband. I want every moment in my life to count towards good. I know that this is virtually impossible, but I can still want it. "For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment."
(Luke 1:37 AMP)
Now, I need to share back in blog world. It's not that I don't have something to say. I just don't have enough time to write it. However, I have to make time, because someone needs to be encouraged and someone needs to turn from the path they are on, and someone needs to laugh or make a different choice - and I have to do my part by writing my life and sharing it, so that maybe I can help somebody avoid my mistakes or recover from mistakes that I can uniquely understand or empathize with.
I need to ration my time a little more carefully. And, I need to be in the moment as much as possible when I am with people I love - especially my husband. I want every moment in my life to count towards good. I know that this is virtually impossible, but I can still want it. "For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment."
(Luke 1:37 AMP)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Memorial Day
This is a weekend during which we specifically give thanks for and remember those people who laid down their lives on behalf of the citizens of this country. Those service men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that we might live in peace and safety. They shed their blood to protect the values that we in this country hold so dear and precious: the pursuit of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. To honor them, we must honor those values that they sacrificed to protect.
Life
The value of all human life is a fundamental principle that drove the founding of this country. To behave or legislate otherwise is to violate this principle. Every institution in this country has the mandate to protect individual's lives - hospitals, schools, churches and government. Even prisons are under this mandate - prisoners on death row are cared for and protected until the moment that they must pay the penalty - and that penalty was designed to protect other human lives. In this country, we also go out of our way to protect the lives of those who cannot protect their own or who are more vulnerable members of our society such as the disabled and children. But we still have a long way to go. Many unborn children and many immigrants seeking refuge have a precarious existence, yet.
Liberty
To live together in freedom is an ideal protected by amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Women and people of different ethnic backgrounds and races have been declared by this country to own the right of liberty. That precious commodity guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and discussion in groups. It also affirms that the citizens of this country will not be vindictively, carelessly or arbitrarily locked in jail, nursing homes, mental institutions, etc. or held in bondage in any way.
Pursuit of Happiness
This country believes that individuals' dreams and visions are essential to the well-being of the nation. What a marvelous encouragement this is! This concept has served as a beacon attracting families, entrepreneurs, dreamers, inventors, creators and builders to this country since its founding. In fact, we in this country believe that the pursuit of happiness alleviates poverty, depression and tyrany: "Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free..."
This weekend, let's honor the values fought for, as well those who fought. And, let's not be stingy in sharing our values. Let's get back to being a world leader by the good example of living as if we believe in our values.
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